Christmas Day basketball is rapidly becoming a cherished tradition in Australia, mirroring the 77-year-old custom established by the NBA. The National Basketball League (NBL) is set to host its fourth consecutive Christmas Day game on December 25, marking its growing commitment to this festive sporting event.
The NBL aims to carve out its own place within the Australian sporting calendar as the only professional league in the country to present live games on Christmas Day. This evolution follows the lead of the NBA, where the inaugural Christmas Day game took place in 1947, featuring a matchup between the New York Knicks and the Providence Steamrollers at Madison Square Garden. The event has since become a staple of the basketball calendar in the United States.
The idea for Christmas Day games in the NBL was originally brought to life by Andrew Bogut, a former NBA player and assistant coach of the Sydney Kings. In 2022, Bogut championed the concept, a groundbreaking initiative at the time for Australian sport. Drawing from his own experiences playing in Christmas Day games in the NBA, he recognized the potential of live sports to engage audiences during a holiday when people celebrate in various ways.
“By being the only team playing basketball in Australia — the only sport playing — we thought we might attract some new fans,” Bogut expressed, highlighting the influx of viewers during previous Christmas broadcasts.
This year’s festive matchup between the Sydney Kings and the Illawarra Hawks marks the third consecutive Christmas clash between the two teams. Kings player Xavier Cooks emphasized the significance of the occasion, noting, “Christmas means different things to different people, and everyone’s traditions are unique.” He regards the game as an opportunity to start a new tradition, especially against rivals like the Hawks.
Cooks’ sentiments echo those of NBL25 champion Will Hickey, who believes that Christmas Day sport is becoming a beloved tradition in Australian homes. He remarked, “Knowing families can come together, switch on the TV and share that moment with us makes it really special.”
The much-anticipated match is scheduled for December 25, 2025, at 8:30 PM AEDT at Qudos Bank Arena, with fans eager to witness the rivalry and celebrate the growing legacy of basketball on this special day. The NBL continues to foster a unique holiday tradition, bringing families together through the spirit of sport.